University of Central Florida student James Oliver Seevakumara was found dead of apparent suicide in his bedroom in the Tower 1 residence hall. In that same bedroom, authorities found disturbing evidence of plans for a violent attack on the college campus. Four makeshift explosive devices were found in a back pack as well as an American-Tech tactical .22 caliber rifle and two other guns.
“While the crime scene processing was under way in that room, we found some notes and some writings that indicated that this was a planned attack,” UCF Police Chief Richard Beary told reporters. “It wasn’t exactly clear what the attack was going to consist of. However, he did have a time line of how he was getting ready and preparing and then in the end, he would just ‘give them hell’ is the quote that he used.”
It is believed Seevakumara triggered a fire alarm in order to get students out into the open for his attack. He then pulled a gun on his roommate who fled and called the police.
“His timeline got off,” Beary said. “We think the rapid response of law enforcement may have changed his ability to think quickly on his feet.”
Prior to the attempted assault, Seevakumara’s only reported criminal conduct in the state was driving with a suspended license. He had exhibited anti-social behavior but never appeared violent.
About 500 students were evacuated from the building and morning classes were cancelled in light of the attack. Authorities subsequently entered the room and disarmed the explosives.
